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Drug Bust Biggest Ever in Corvallis, Oregon

Tim King Salem-News.com

"The investigation has placed a bright light on a drug conspiracy, racketeering and money laundering enterprise, the likes of which have never before been uncovered in the City of Corvallis." - Captain Jonathan M. Sassaman, Corvallis Police

Bail was set at $10 million dollars each for three of those arrested. Clockwise from top left: Isidro Andrade, Manuel Salgado Lujano and Ricardo Andrade

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - Working with several other agencies, Corvallis Police busted a drug ring Tuesday that they say supplied many pounds of meth and cocaine to the mid-valley each week. Police anticipate that the amount of drugs being moved dwarfed anything the city has ever seen.

Before it was over, 11 people were in custody with bail amounts ranging from one million dollars to ten million for three of the individuals.

Corvallis Police and the other law enforcement agencies, created a task force focused on investigating a Criminal Conspiracy, Racketeering and Money Laundering drug organization.

On Wednesday, the task force served 19 search warrants related to the distribution of Methamphetamine and Cocaine in the mid-Willamette Valley.

Captain Jonathan M. Sassaman of the Corvallis Police Department says the Search Warrants are the culmination of a 16 month investigation into a highly organized, sophisticated and structured illegal drug trafficking and racketeering distribution enterprise.

"Defendants in this case, utilizing the cover of legitimate businesses in the Cities of Corvallis and Independence, operated as a primary distribution point for Methamphetamine and Cocaine in the Mid-Willamette Valley."

He says the investigation revealed that “La Poderosa Mexican Store” located at 1411 NW 9th Street in Corvallis, “Gregorios Auto Body” located at 4079 SE 3rd Street in Corvallis and “Del Valle Mexican Store” located at 1339 Monmouth Street, Independence, Oregon were used as cover for the drug trafficking and money laundering operations of the organization.

"The investigation has placed a bright light on a drug conspiracy, racketeering and money laundering enterprise, the likes of which have never before been uncovered in the City of Corvallis."

According to statistics, the Corvallis Police Department in 2006 seized 14.49 ounces of Methamphetamine, less than ½ ounce of Cocaine and just over 26 pounds of Marijuana.

The total amounts seized are yet to be determined, but Sassaman says that in a given week, this group moved between 6-10 pounds of methamphetamine, plus 1-2 kilo's of cocaine were being distributed through this organization to buyers throughout the mid-valley area.

"We know that by preventing this volume of illegal drugs from reaching the streets, completely disrupting and dismantling the drug organization, we have severely impacted the supply and availability of Methamphetamine and Cocaine in the mid-valley."

According to Sassaman, this investigation and others like it, should be a message to those who traffic in large quantities of illegal drugs "that they will be sought out, investigated, arrested and held responsible for trafficking in dangerous drugs which injure and ruin peoples lives."

27-year old Isidro Linares Andrade of Albany faces charges of Racketeering and Money Laundering. His bail Amount is $10,000,000.

30-year old Ricardo Linarez Andrade of Independence faces charges of Racketeering and Money Laundering. His bail is set at $10,000,000.

37-year old Irma Linares Munguia of Albany faces one charge of Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering. Her bail Amount is $1,000,000.

21-year old Ashley Nicole Palomo of Albany faces one charge of Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering. Her bail Amount is $1,000,000.

32-year old Jesus Monroy Lopez of Albany faces one charge of Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering. His bail Amount is $1,000,000.

36-year old Jorge Soto Aquino of Albany faces one charge of Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering. His bail Amount is $1,000,000.

32-year old Gregorio Hernandez of Albany faces one charge of Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering. His bail Amount is $1,000,000.

28-year old Jose Bernal Ortiz of Corvallis faces one charge of Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering. His bail Amount is $1,000,000.

27-year old Nadia Fabiola Legorreta of Eugene faces a charge of Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering. Her bail Amount is $1,000,000.

35-year old Raul Becerra Cardenas of Albany faces a criminal charge of Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering. His bail Amount is $1,000,000.

A Grand Jury will meet in Benton County over this case Friday.

Corvallis Police included the following information about the various charges:

Racketeering: ORS 166.715
Using an “enterprise” (which can be either a business or an “association in fact” of individuals) which conducts a pattern of criminal activity for the same objective: i.e. selling drugs to make money.
Conspiracy: ORS 161.450
An Agreement by two or more people to do something unlawful/criminal. Money Laundering: ORS 164.170 Using the proceeds of criminal activity to further the criminal enterprise or to use the proceeds of criminal activity to avoid federal reporting requirements.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

willie June 10, 2011 10:09 pm (Pacific time)

were do they dredge up these bananas from

go home January 17, 2009 9:19 pm (Pacific time)

look @ these CRIMINALS, they are not American, SEND THEM HOME. I would bet money they are ALL illegal aliens too. They should have closed them boarders long time ago, okay maybe the last one is not an illegal alien. It is really to bad the news media don't ever report the whole story. If you are not an American citizen and you Commit Crime, you should be sent back to were ever you came from. If you want to come and live in my Country then you need to do it the right way . It is really sad that this country has let the illegal alien thing get so far out of hand. But then again just because someone is an illegal alien does not mean they are a criminal or will commit a crime, accept for the fact that being here illegally is a crime.

mac December 19, 2008 11:51 pm (Pacific time)

i no non of these foos but thay must have sum bank hidden sumwhere and if im not wrong its prolly in MEXICO! HA AH HA HA HA They came. worked. got a free ride to there home country and now they onjoyin there milloins in sum beach in mexico!

Russell September 24, 2008 10:51 am (Pacific time)

Sanchez you are one dumb mutha. this is white mans land and you know it so quite talkin smack. Every race does drugs. Every race deals drugs and every race is againsted drugs so shut UP!!!

goody September 15, 2008 6:52 am (Pacific time)

iilegal aliens... no job... nothing 2 live 4... dey had 2 get it sum way... i would...=]

Well informed!!! July 1, 2008 3:24 am (Pacific time)

These people have family to. And are people like everyone else. White collar crimes take place everyday and are not investigated. Everyones got to eat.

KingW April 21, 2008 3:50 pm (Pacific time)

Peter your tight.... i go to OSU and i am tired of these drug dealers... and ever worse thse crackheads!

Micheal Jordan November 16, 2007 10:34 am (Pacific time)

man they suck i hope the get bail or i will help them and bail them

Melissa September 17, 2007 2:52 pm (Pacific time)

All I have to say is all of you are very IGNORANT!!!!! Who really cares who started it, who was selling, how many drugs they got off the street, who was actually involved, or even who they were selling to??? Call me crazy but just because the cops shut down one drug house doesn't mean 100 more dont go up after it. If "kids", adults, teenagers, or the elderly wants to buy some drugs, dammit they are going to buy some damn drugs. It doesn't matter if they have to cook it up themselves, buy it from someone, or chug an entire bottle of Nyquill, if a human being wants to get high, they are going to do it. And nobody is responsible for the death of someone just because they sold the drugs that killed them. Did the drug dealer hold he or she down and force them to get high and destroy their life, I bet a hundred dollars he didn't. As a person who comes from a mixed backround and being Hispanic I am greatly angered by the constant need of us LAZY ASS Americans to talk about sending "Mexicans" back home. Did you ever think for a damn second that maybe, just possibly this is their home?? So the Millions of drug dealers that are 100% American when they get caught selling drugs here I guess we should say, oh well "Tod" has irish bloodlines and he was selling dope to teenagers so lets send his ass to Ireland, where he has never been in his life before??? Just an example of how IGNORANT people sound when their prejudice means come out in the open. All I can say is this whole BLOB of unimportance on this website is ridiculous, talk and debate about something that could actually make a change, or difference and do yourselves a favor and ask yourselves how did this happen in the first place, what made this okay? And then debate.

mierda la toro May 29, 2007 6:58 am (Pacific time)

My cousin is dead because of those people. I hope they burn in hell. The damage in my family goes way beyond my cousin's death. I hope they get what they deserve in jail. and Sanchez, you sound like you won't make it real far.
BTW, my people were here b4 any of you. Thats why they call us Native Americans

JM May 17, 2007 12:17 pm (Pacific time)

Mrs. 'X' you don't know Raul Becerra he is a nice person, he shouldn't go to jail for something he didn't do. Raul is a nice person to his family, everybody and he was just friends with the wrong people.

J. May 12, 2007 5:16 pm (Pacific time)

Gallo,
You can keep insisting Raul to be a good person if you want. However, it disturbs me that you would you think someone who sells drugs to children to be a 'good person.' Do you think he's a good person because he's a member of the Mexican 'good ol' boy's club?' Or is it because he's given a portion of his 'drug earnings' to his family?
Raul doesn't want to be put in prison or be deported. Of course he going to 'play dumb' and say 'I didn't do it,' despite the contrary evidence. I've heard rumors of his drug connections YEARS before this bust--from several unrelated sources.
Have you even been reading the papers? Raul personally participated in a DRUG TRANSACTION for F**k's sake. There are WITNESSES to this. The Andrade brothers and Lujano couldn't have operated a drug ring that size without help. They didn't do it by themselves.
~J

happy May 10, 2007 10:52 am (Pacific time)

I'm glad that all those drugs are off the streets, that is the main point in this!!! My family has been ravaged by meth six children in 2 months have gone to foster care, now I'm a foster parent- I never wanted five children but I love them. I hope the cops keep busting these drug dealers get this shit out of our communities!!!!!

gallo May 3, 2007 7:30 pm (Pacific time)

I think Raul Becerra is innocent because he is a good person, hard worker, he always support his family with his hard work. He just hung out with the wrong people.

Mrs. 'X' April 27, 2007 4:29 am (Pacific time)

Raul Becerra Cardenas, AKA Jose, is one of the arrested. I hope to see his ass permanently deported--after a lengthy imprisonment. He's not 'innocent,' nor was he at the 'wrong place at the wrong time.' All in all, he's not a very nice person, and I'm not surprised he got busted.

Somebody April 11, 2007 11:53 pm (Pacific time)

Peter look at your fingers and tell me which one are identical, so that means not all are the same way and don't tell me the white is perfect and non white is non perfect.

Family Member/Son April 9, 2007 5:02 pm (Pacific time)

hello everyone. this is my family you are talking about. They have my mom and my uncles in jail, who knows what may happen to them. All i can say is that as far as i know they are "innocent". It is hard having the people i care about in jail when i know they did not take part in this "organization" and they were only set up because of our last name. Thank god my mom is getting out soon and all i can do is pray for the rest. Thank You. p.s "MOST OF THESE PEOPLE DONT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH WHAT WAS GOING ON. WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME".

Retired Contractor April 4, 2007 10:18 am (Pacific time)

Senor Sanchez. I have been in some pretty tight (dangerous) situations with many hispanics. I am sure glad they did not share the same attitude you have. If my ancestors were living in caves when your ancestors were engaging in all this advanced development...then what happened? Why is so much of latin America in such poverty. Could it be the high-birth rate of the hispanics? Why is your crime rate so high? I could go on, but what's the point, you're a hater!

Sanchez March 31, 2007 12:09 pm (Pacific time)

We did not cross the border, the border crossed us. This is our homeland, you Europeans stole it from us. You murder us, rape our women, you have so many pedophiles that we constantly have to guard our children. You introduce our people to drugs and that's why a very few of our people get into trouble. We have been migrating between the bottom of South America to the north pole area for tens of thousands of years. You people were living in caves when we were developing cities, sewers, advanced agricultural processes. Look what you have done to our land! In time our natural birthrate will allow us to take over politically. It's time for all non-hispanics to fold up the tents and peacefully leave my homeland. Thank you. P.S. Don't worry about turing out the light before you close the door, we'll take care of it.

Pete March 30, 2007 5:23 pm (Pacific time)

Ma, you seem angry. You know yourself that sometimes you can't change what's in motion. That does not mean you can't tell them how you feel. You and I have both been down this road. I get angry at times. However it is too late for anger. Now is the time for solution not anger. You can be angry for years and nothing changes. You have to make the change! I know you are doing everything you can to change the world. Please don't be angry. Pray as I do that things!

Eve in Oregon March 30, 2007 4:04 pm (Pacific time)

Re: Pete in Indiana:
I call Washington at least once a week, write and call my congresswoman and senators more often than once a week. I walk in rallies when possible and never fail to vote. If our government is so corrupt it will not listen maybe they need to read the Preamble to the Constitution once again BEFORE the people rise up against them.

Brittnie March 30, 2007 3:43 pm (Pacific time)

hm i just hope that people who say we need to participate in our communities, are the people who are ACTUALLY doing it. I do. A lot. And if everyone did it, our world might actually start changing before its to late for change...something to think about

Pete March 30, 2007 1:07 pm (Pacific time)

It seems sad to me that everyone just points fingers instead of doing something about it. We are not watching our kids. We are not doing more in the community. Do any of you volunteer time to your community? fighting is all anyone wants to do. Point the finger and place the blame. It is too late for that. Our country will be gone soon and it will be our own fault. When we are all saying "Plese God don't let it end this way" It will be too late then. We will have passed up our chance to change the world. Stop fighting! Do what's right! We know what's right and what's wrong. Man is Man. The Law is the Law. No breaks for anyone. Black, White, Hispanic, Asian. Don't break the Law!!!!!

RE: embarrased March 30, 2007 12:23 pm (Pacific time)

Couldn't agree with you more. The people of this world are in for a rude awakening when they realize this world is going to crash down on us. You cant just flood the US with every single person that wants to come here to live the "american dream". No one is being racist against a single race, we just need the illegals to leave and work to become citizens. It makes me sick to think that some of you actually blame the government for illegals crossing the border and creating problems. That has nothing to do with Bush, but everything to do with ignorant people who make messes and create problems on our soil. This world would be much better off if people would follow the damn rules instead of complaining about them. They were made for a reason and if you think for one second that by letting everyone in here, our problems would be solved, you must be absolutly out of your mind. Stop thinking like idiots and open your mind to every aspect of a problem. Dont live for the now, live for tomorrow!

Evelyn March 30, 2007 12:04 pm (Pacific time)

To Embarassed: good for you. I am proud to hear some truth in this matter. As a first born American on my mother's side and second on my father's I have some knowledge on this matter. All came here legally, waited their turn in line, did not collect any sort of welfare and gave much more than they got. As an American of Arabic and European descent I consider myself an "American" first. And as an American if I break the law I am going to pay. I would not be allowed to enter Mexico illegally. If I did, I would go straight to jail. Mexico encourages its poor and uneducated so they do not have to deal with the problems. If all you Latinos who came here illegally worked as hard in your own countries we would be wanting to emmigrate there, legally of course. This country is being destroyed by those who deal in drugs and slaves. It may be too late for the US to avoid being the next 3rd world country.

Embarassed March 29, 2007 8:10 am (Pacific time)

I am embarassed by every single one of you. The question isn't if they are mexican or not the question is where they here legally. Being a mexican has nothing to do with it. There is the same amount of corrupt white/arab/black/mexican people in this world. Reading through this article all of you sound stupid. Nobody ever said that people from other countries were not welcome in the United States we ask that you come here legally. When you cross the American/Mexican border regardless of which direction you are going you have to answer to the authorities. I have never read an article where Americans are upset because of the borders between Mexico and the United States. The people of this bust happen to be Mexican that does not mean all mexicans are drug users/sellers. These people I am sure are an embarassment to all the good mexican people out there.

Sanchez March 23, 2007 6:34 pm (Pacific time)

This is a situation where we need an immediate death penalty, regardless of ones ethnicity. Fact is, us hispanics are not people who care about gringo's. Viva Mexico! You all should move back to Europe. NOW!

Anonymous March 22, 2007 10:36 am (Pacific time)

This raid is just an attempt for the goverment to justify the construction of the wall along the mexican border and the killings of hundreds of innocent people trying to cross the border.It is a shame my own people are doing this illegal activities just as it is a shame people are buying the drugs. Lets not be fooled this country has the capacity to invest billions and billions and billions of dollars in the killing of innocent people around the world don't you think they have the capacity to control drug trafficking. Of course they do but choose not to they rather have the population all drugged up so they don't question thier monstruocities.

WHITES DO IT TOO! March 21, 2007 4:19 pm (Pacific time)

(ALBANY) - The Linn County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 3410 SW Pacific Blvd #13 in Albany Wednesday.
As a result of the raid components of a methamphetamine lab were found in the apartment.
Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller said officers seized digital scales, methamphetamine, equipment for manufacturing methamphetamine, suspected pseudoephedrine and other chemicals that are used in the methamphetamine manufacture process.
43-year-old Brian Scott Harper who rented the apartment was found inside and taken into custody.
Harper was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine and Manufacturing Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine.
Harper is also being held on a detainer for violation of his probation. He was on post-prison supervision for Delivery and Manufacturing Meth.

the real crook March 21, 2007 4:16 pm (Pacific time)

U know Bush is the real crook in everything that happens in the United States. It's his fault that Mexicans come here and end up doing badly. If it was easier for them to obtain employment that paid worth a sh%#t, then they wouldn't have turn to illegal actions. They only want one thing, to better their families. Americans are too damn lazy and would rather live off the goverment to the fullest extent, and when a Mexican lands a good job then they (americans) wanna run their mouth! Shut up and go to your food stamp appoinment. They'd probably work a week or 2 then quit. So the whole blocking the border and causing a world war 3 is a big joke and I would not do one thing to help this country. Even though I am Amercian does not mean I have to agree with the descisions of an American president peice of crap. Look at the Asains who get paid to live here! Where can I get paid to live? This whole society is a joke and it will come tumbling down on Bush. He'll see. He's just trying to be like his dad, what happened when his dad was president? Yah well u get the point.

KNOW IT ALL March 21, 2007 3:50 pm (Pacific time)

So "Whites" are serial killers, "Mexicans" are drug dealers, "Arabians" are terrorists, "Asains" are paid to live here for free, and "Blacks" are just straiht up obnoxious! So why does'nt everybody just leave race out of it and look at the crime, that's what's important, right? There was just as many "gringos" involved as mexicans just that they're the ones actually doing the drugs and getting away with more harmful things like burglury, theft, assult, self mutulation really, so let's think here, what is worse, selling drugs or doing them? Take your pick. Personally I can't stand to even look at a drug (meth) addicted person. If it was'nt for the fact that people NEED this substance then there probably would be no manufacturers. BOTTOM LINE.

Maria March 20, 2007 6:35 pm (Pacific time)

Please people we are in the 21st century,everybody has mistakes (and don't say you don't).These guys did alot of bad things but not all mexicans are like this .Some are VERY hard workers and do any kind of job to earn money to have a better life. But some Americans say they are taking their jobs, I think that's not true because some white Americans don't even work (some are VERY LAZY).Other Americans think that Mexicans are very hard workers and that they are welcomed here and I appreciate this people cause they know how to think and value all kinds of people.PETER and GERRY do me and the entire world a favor and go to a phrenologist(mental doctor if you didn't know)and get yourself fixed cause you are full of crap. If you don't have enough money I will give you some donations.GERRY go to the homeless shelter and go with PETER to the mental appointment. Get yourself a life and if you want some of my soda bottles I will be glad to give some so you could take them to Safewey and get some money to buy a girlfriend.GOOD LUCK MENTALY RETARDED PEOPLE!!

the mexican March 19, 2007 9:50 pm (Pacific time)

peter your just mad you whern't making that mutch money

Jane Doe March 18, 2007 11:04 pm (Pacific time)

Not everyone was brought up with strong morals,values, and an interest to protect even those they don't know. It is a shame but hopefully lessons will be learned... Everyone, despite color and/or background, has strengths and weaknesses. afterall, aren't whites better known for being the crazed serial killers???(if you were wondering, i am white)

Osotan; March 17, 2007 8:59 pm (Pacific time)

You have to admit General Gonzales is quite a bad image for the Latino community, and Condolleezza is..,also somewhat a blight to a lot of black people., leaving us with that shining light of honkiedom.,g.w. hissef!,the difference is these hiway 5 rime syndicate guys got caught, and will pay, the others got caught and, they slide away.,to commit a crime another day!, justice is relative with a large bank acct.,and if it was my buisness I would diversiy to more beneficial agents., and George never snorted high priced cociane nor did Quayle inhale nor did Bubba have sex with the staff nor is FEEMA doing a good job in New Orleans and I feel like Albert Marnell sometimes!, I get so pissed off at all of their jive! ah,thanks S-L for the rave time.

Matt Johnson March 17, 2007 8:37 pm (Pacific time)

Just remember that all racists are low intelligence people, so are the other sheep that are the hitler-type followers. Osotan, Rocio, Chuck and Cindy, you are all good people who know where your heart is. The other comments are so sickening and written by low lifes that I can't even respond. Live to surf-surf to live the Malibu crew

CINDY March 17, 2007 8:32 pm (Pacific time)

YOU KNOW WHAT GERRY YOU CAN BURN IN HELL FOR ALL I CARE BUT AT LEAST THEY DONT TALK THINGS ABOUT ALL YOU WHITE BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Peter March 17, 2007 8:24 pm (Pacific time)

The biggest crooks are in Congress and the U.S. government. Also go to www.badcopnews.com.

Gerry March 17, 2007 11:03 am (Pacific time)

send them to prison for life! they are all worthless maggets!! they prey on children and air-heads.

Chuck March 16, 2007 7:29 pm (Pacific time)

Peter,
Your comment is sicknening. You obviously lack the capacity to seriously understand the real problems with the immigration process. Your comment let the whole world know that your IQ level is more that likely in double digits. I understand that genetics played a part in that problem. Please do the world a favor and don't pro-create.

Rocio March 16, 2007 9:33 am (Pacific time)

Hi Peter...not only Mexicans do this...look at other people as well. And many are here to work...it's the unfortunate one's that makes the rest look bad. However, you shouldn't lump all Mexican's together in only one stereotype group--there are good people and VERY hard workers....and I know you've seen it.